William F. Macko

William F. Macko, 78, of Marcellus, passed away Saturday, May 21, 2011 at home. Born in Auburn on Sunday, August 21, 1932, he grew up in Scipio Center and was a graduate of Union Springs High School and Syracuse University. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. Bill was a retired police officer with the Syracuse City Police Dept. and was also formerly employed by Niagara Mohawk in the security and print department. Bill was a member of Marcellus United Methodist Church where he served as head usher. He was also a member of the American Legion in Baldwinsville, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Syracuse Police Benevolent Association. An avid golfer and hunter, Bill was a certified instructor for the New York State Hunter Safety Course and member of the Payne Lake Rod and Gun Club. He volunteered at Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Meals on Wheels, and served on the Marcellus Village Planning Board. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge in Syracuse. He also enjoyed kayaking, reading, gardening and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Ann Macko. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, the former Janet Prior; children, Cheryl Macko (Mario) Hazen of Weatogue, Connecticut, Mark (Susan) Macko of Camillus, Scott (Holly) Macko of Satellite Beach, Florida, Elizabeth Macko (John) Zellar of Manlius, Stephen (Donna) Weaver of Lynchburg, Virginia, Linda (Don “Dondo”) Forth of Canastota, and Jeanne (Jim) Clary of High Point, North Carolina; uncle, Paul Macko of North Syracuse; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and one on the way; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of wonderful friends. Relatives and friends may call Friday, May 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marcellus United Methodist Church, 1 Slocombe Ave. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at the church with Rev. Eunice Tabor officiating. Arrangements are by the Buranich Funeral Home, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Jan Smith Fund, (care for needy children) c/o Becky Eaton, 2 Learners Landing, Marcellus, NY 13108 or Marcellus Free Library, 32 Maple St., Marcellus, NY 13108.